New York Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer

Unsafe lane changes happen when a driver recklessly switches lanes or violates traffic safety laws, often leading to severe multiple-vehicle collisions. These accidents can cause devastating injuries and significant property damage. If you’ve been affected by such an incident, a New York car accident lawyer can help you pursue justice.

At Morelli Law Firm, we have won over $1 billion for our clients. Our New York car accident lawyers have extensive experience in handling these complex cases. If you’re dealing with a lane change accident, a New York unsafe lane change accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Unsafe Lane Changes in New York Can Cause Great Damage

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines lane change crashes as incidents where one vehicle veers into another vehicle’s path, resulting in a collision. You should contact a New York personal injury lawyer after these accidents immediately after seeking medical care.

New York’s vehicle code strictly prohibits unsafe lane changes in various situations. Drivers who ignore these rules put themselves and others at risk and may face legal liability for any resulting accidents or property damage.

New York’s unsafe lane change laws include:

• Drivers cannot change lanes until they are certain it is safe.
• The left lane is designated for making left turns or passing only.
• Trucks, buses, and other slow-moving vehicles must use designated lanes.
• Drivers must not cross double yellow lines or other markings indicating hazardous crossings.

If you’ve been affected by an unsafe lane change, you should call a lawyer as soon as possible. We aggressively fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve while providing compassionate support throughout your case. We won’t stop until you get the results you deserve.

Causes of Unsafe Lane Change Accidents

There are many ways a driver can make an unsafe lane change, such as failing to use the turn signal, changing lanes at an intersection, or switching lanes at high speeds. These unsafe practices can lead to motor vehicle accidents, especially when drivers engage in hazardous habits.

Examples of unsafe habits leading to accidents:

• Not checking blind spots
• Failing to check both mirrors
• Drifting into another lane
• Texting or using the phone while driving
• Not signaling
• Driving under the influence
• Changing lanes with diminished visibility

Unsafe lane changes are considered traffic violations in New York. Vehicle operators are required to stay within a single lane and only change lanes when it is safe to do so.

When drivers fail to take proper precautions before changing lanes, they are more likely to be cited by authorities. If an accident occurs due to their negligence, they will be held liable for the damages caused. Our legal team will pursue justice.

Serious Injuries Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes

Unfortunately, it’s difficult for accident victims to avoid being hit by a car that suddenly changes lanes, making it very challenging to move out of the way.

Bikes and motorcycles, lacking physical protection, are at a higher risk of catastrophic injuries in such accidents. However, even a low-impact crash can lead to devastating consequences in any accident, including:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Death

What to Do After an Accident Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes

Drivers who violate the state’s rules by making unsafe lane changes can cause accidents that severely impact the health of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. If you were involved in such an accident, here’s what you should do:

Report the Accident

Report the incident to the authorities as soon as possible. It’s imperative to have an accurate and timely record of the accident, noting that it was caused by a negligent driver’s unsafe lane change.

Collect Information

Depending on your condition, try to gather as much information as possible, for example:

• Take photos and videos of the scene
• Exchange information with the involved driver, including insurance details, address, and phone number
• Note any security or traffic cameras in the area
• Identify any witnesses and collect their contact information

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t think you have serious injuries, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, like internal organ damage and soft tissue injuries, might not be immediately apparent.

A medical professional can document your injuries and how they were sustained, which is vital for your health and any future claims.

Consult a New York Unsafe Lane Change Accident Attorney

Seek assistance from a New York unsafe lane change accident lawyer. An experienced legal team can help you explore your options for recovering compensation. You may be able to claim:

• Lost wages: Compensation for lost wages helps maintain your financial stability and quality of life after the incident.
• Past, present, and future medical expenses: Covering these expenses ensures you receive necessary treatments without compromising your quality of life.
• Pain and suffering: This compensation addresses the physical pain endured, significantly impacting your overall quality of life.
• Lost earning ability: Financial support for lost earning ability helps sustain your quality of life despite reduced income potential.
• Emotional trauma: Compensation for emotional distress recognizes the psychological impact of the event on your quality of life.

Act Quickly

According to New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, the state has a three-year statute of limitations for car accident claims. However, it’s essential to act promptly. Delaying any of the above steps can decrease the likelihood of preserving accurate evidence, affecting your ability to secure fair compensation.

Determining Fault in an Accident

In most collisions caused by unsafe lane changes, one driver who was following road safety regulations and another who attempted to change lanes are at fault. Usually, the driver who changes lanes is at fault. However, in some situations, both drivers may share the blame.

On multi-lane highways, two drivers can enter a single lane from either side simultaneously. If they crash into each other, a jury must decide who is at fault. Insurance companies often get involved in these cases to assess the circumstances and determine liability.

There are also scenarios where drivers share fault when a lane change occurs. For example, if the rear driver speeds up to overtake, they can be held liable for speeding. Simultaneously, the first driver who changed lanes may be at fault for not waiting until it was safe to do so. In such cases, filing a personal injury claim can help ensure fair compensation for all involved parties.

A New York Accident Caused by Unsafe Lane Change Lawyer Can Help You

If you or a loved one sustained injuries due to a car accident caused by a driver making an unsafe lane change, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance. A New York unsafe lane change accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Morelli Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys won’t back down, ensuring that your rights are protected and justice is served. Some firms fear the courtroom; we live for it. Let us fight for you.